Trainer John Sadler is keeping a lid on five-year-old Under The Hat who built a promising record last campaign.
The talented son of Helenus kicks off a summer program when he resumes over 1300 metres at Sandown on Saturday, but Sadler isn’t making any grand plans for him despite a photo finish second in May to subsequent spring carnival star December Draw.
December Draw won four of his next five starts including the Group One Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in October but broke down in the Caulfield Cup when favourite.
“His second to December Draw is a little flattering,” Sadler said.
“It was December Draw’s first start in Australia at Flemington and he improved four or five lengths his next start.”
However Sadler is pleased with Under The Hat and expects him to run well first-up and hopefully go on to win his share of city races.
“He raced very well last time in without winning in town and a win in town is what we want now,” Sadler said.
“He’s fairly highly rated (82) for horse yet to win in Melbourne and that’s probably because of a performance like that second to December Draw.”
Under The Hat was spelled after his next run when got buffeted and finished third to Rain Shadow over 1700 metres at Flemington on May 21.
Sadler said Saturday’s assignment would be a good test but he is confident Under The Hat, who has won four of his 10 starts, can figure in the finish.
“It’s the right time to have him in as he likes the top of the ground and he is two from three first-up so I’m sure he will run well,” Sadler said.
“The harder they go the better his chances will be and I suggest he won’t be far off the money in what doesn’t look to be a bad field.
“We haven’t got anything picked out for him after Saturday but he is very much an improving horse, a late maturer, and I would be surprised if he doesn’t have one of his best campaigns this time in.”
AAP TURF
